Ruthie's Picnic Dress & Jessamine's Coat - Foo Foo Threads

 

It is my pleasure to share with you one of my latest test sews! The Ruthie's Picnic dress or top by Foo Foo Threads!

 

Ruthie's is not a new Foo Foo pattern, but a revamped older one. Which now has a larger size range (3-6 months to 12 years.)

 

Not only does Ruthie's have more sizes included, but this beautiful PDF pattern now has layered pattern pieces and options to create not only dresses, but tops! Which look totally adorbs with leggings or bubble shorts!

 

Ruthie's includes optional bib applique and sash, plus the option of a layered skirt, with or without ruffles.

 

Shoulder ruffles are standard on this pattern, however, should you wish to simplify, then just use the lining pieces as linings and main.

My Ruthie top is sewn from textured poly poplin, with quilting cotton trims. Any poplin which contains some polyester is less prone to wrinkles, which is a real plus in my books! (Less ironing required!!)

 

Ruthie's Picnic dress is a great confident beginner sew. The dress does require buttonholes, however, if you prefer, you could apply snaps (but I do adore buttons.....so basically I'll use any excuse to ply some on whenever I can!)

Summer fruit make even the coolest winter days seem warmer! *Dreaming of Summer!*

The Ruthie pattern also includes optional front dress pockets, for the top, I felt like the pockets would have cluttered up the look (especially as I was sewing a smaller size.)

Since I just LOVE anything Foo Foo, I squeezed in time to sew up the dress version! (As you can see by my colour choices, I'm longing for our winter to finish!!)

Double layered skirt with ruffle

Front patch pockets - perfect for storing treasures!

 

 

Now I'm just going to leave you peruse the photos (because lets face it....it's the best part of sewing blogs!! We all just want to see the sewing!!)

 

If you would like to see more of the tester photos or to purchase the pattern, then please visit Foo Foo Threads HERE.

 

 

 

Jessamine Girls Ruffle Back Coat

 

 

Another Foo Foo sew this winter was the Jessamine Coat. Although we haven't actually had too many overly chilly days to wear this delight!

 

Jessamine comes with sizes 6-9 months to 8 years included. It is an intermediate sew, not because any one step is difficult, just because sewing fully lined coats is an involved sew.

 

The coat pattern suggested 3 - 5 buttons and I admit, 3 wasn't enough for my tastes for this size 4 coat.

 

My version is sewn from cotton drill (Spotlight product) and lined in fleece. It created a very warm combination!

 

 

I also deviated from the original pattern by adding a faux fur trim to the hood. To do this, I reduced the size of the hood, allowed for seam allowances and cut my fur twice as wide as needed, so I could simply fold it in half. The faux fur trim was then sandwiched between the hood main and lining, stitched, then turned the right way before stitching the complete hood to the coat main (before the lining is stitched to the main.)

 

P.s. Tip for sewing with faux fur......be prepared to vacuum everything around you immediately after cutting...in fact.....be prepared to vacuum yourself!

 

I also chose to bring my back ruffles closer together, so they overlapped (just a personal  preference here!)

 

I adore sewing coats and I recommend Jessamine as a first Foo Foo coat sew if your up for the task!

 

See more about the Jessamine pattern HERE.

 

 

Happy sewing and see you soon!

 

~ Zoe ~

Love Pattern #9 and more from Duchess & Hare PDF Patterns

 

Love pattern #9 is the latest release from Duchess and Hare. Bernadette has out-done herself on this one! Not just a dress, but also a romper or romper with a skirt!

The romper can be made with elasticised legs and snap placket for easy changes for little ones. Or for the older girls, leave the legs straight for a beautiful sunsuit look.

 

 

I had the pleasure of testing the dress version, my daughter was allowed to choose the variation she wanted and dress was the definitive winner!

 

This pattern includes sizes 2 to 12 girls and is a great beginner sew!

 

With elastic casings in the back bodice, there is no need to shirr (a great fear for a great many!)

 

The straps are tied in bows on the shoulders and create a sweet feature in themselves.

 

The bodice is fully lined and there are three options for bodice shape, sweetheart, v-neck and straight.

 

The skirt or romper bottoms are attached directly to the bodice, gathered to fit. No plackets, zips or buttons to worry over!

 

Now to the whimsical bit! Love Pattern #9 has optional WINGS! Yes! Your little one can be that fairy princess of her dreams! The wings are made with elastic loops, one on each end of the top “wing” binding. The smaller loop hooks over a discrete button you sew onto each side of the bodice. The larger loop is threaded over the wearer’s wrist. Then she is free to fly and twirl and dance, all the while with her wings shimmering in the breeze!

 

 

This stunning unicorn cotton fabric was sourced from Fabric Trove.

The pattern recommends nylon chiffon as the wing fabric of choice. This is because this sort of chiffon won’t fray, so there is no need to finish the edges of the wings! Simple as! For me, since I had some lovely regular chiffon in my stash, I needed to overlock (serge) the edge.....otherwise fray city here we come!

My daughter was delighted with her sweetheart neckline version of the #9 dress – complete with wings and is a favourite in high rotation in our house!

I embellished my dress with some satin ribbon tied in a bow and sewn into the side seams of the bodice (all hidden when you bag up your bodice.) You can choose to embellish your version or leave it plain, either way, you will have an amazing garment.....but not just garment, but a tool for her imagination!

 

Love Pattern #9 is a wonderful sew and is available for purchase at the Duchess & Hare webpage. If you would like to know more, please visit Duchess & Hare HERE.

 

 

 

Petit Four Dress & Apron

 

 

Now I've got time (forced myself down at the computer!) I'm going to share my other Duchess & Hare sews. This little number is one of the variations of the Petit Four Dress pattern. (Gosh I just love all the names of the Duchess & Hare patterns! so fun!)

 

Just like the tiny desserts that this dress is named after, it is a lovely sew with delightful results! 

 

The Petit Four pattern offers two different bodice styles - scalloped - as I've sewn, or ruffled rounded bodice.

With a back zipper closure, it makes for easy dressing! Although take your time with this step if you are a beginner sewest.....zips can be tricky! I much prefer the invisible zip over dress zips personally, as I find them easier to install! (I'm probably strange I know!)

I did find my scallops a little lacking, but as I was using denim with poplin, it proved a tricky feat! But the scallops are a wonderful feature and set this pattern apart from others. The FREE apron that is available from the Duchess & Hare website suits this dress perfectly. I ran out of time to whip one up, but it is on my bucket list of sews! (It's a long list!)

 

Petit Four includes sizes 2 to 12 with layered pattern pieces. A great sew for anyone ready to tackle dress zips and gorgeous scallops!

 

Find the pattern and more inspiration HERE.

 

 

Pretty Pinnie

Another wonderful sew, the Pretty Pinnie reminds me of yesteryear little girls clothing.

 

Pretty Pinnie comes with sizes 2 to 12 included and suits adventurous beginners, ready to tackle dress zips.

 

The bodice has three options, cap sleeve (as I've sewn), ruffled or narrow bodice.

 

Pretty Pinnie includes a sweet little lamb hand embroidery pattern too! As you can see, that front panel is perfect for embroidery. I used some FMA (from StitchArt) to embellish my version of the dress!

 

Best part? Well, its all great, BUT, pockets are a real winner in our house! So with side seam pockets, this pattern is a must for your pattern stash!

 

My Pinnie is sewn in pinwale corduroy and paired with Duchess & Hare's Muttonchop blouse.

 

See more of the Pretty Pinnie HERE.

 

 

Free Spirit

 

 

 

Next Duchess & Hare cab off the rank is the Free Spirit dress! A super quick, beginner sew!

 

With built in sleeves and large keyhole back bodice ties, this dress is a straight forward, but effect sew.

 

With optional pintucks to the front bodice, this dress can be dressed up or down.

Sizes 2 to 12 are included. With the well written tutorial and layered pattern pieces, this is a great first sew if your just starting out.

 

I popped in some gold ric-rac in my pintucks and finished it off with some sweet fox buttons. (I do LOVE me some buttons!)

Free spirit also boasts optional side skirt pockets! So easy to add in or just leave out if your in a rush!

This is what I'm usually facing when taking photos! Sweets are exchanged for semi successful photos!

To see more on the Free Spirit pattern, please click HERE.

 

 

Who's Got the Button?

 

 

Hehehe......a very aptly named dress! And, I DO love me some buttons!! This is the very first dress I tested for Bernadette and it is a beautiful one indeed. Maybe even understated. With it's lovely lines and shoulder closures, it is a stunner!

Don't be fooled, allow time for this sew! But, Who's Got the Button is worth the trouble! If you are choosing to add the feature bias - like piping, but without the cord filling, do allow yourself plenty of time! I went into this sew thinking it would take me 1.5 - 2 hours.....it was at least double that!! (For me anyway!)

There are detailed instructions on how to create plenty of your own bias, however, this is optional - pre-made bias tape will work just as well. You may also leave out the bias completely for a MUCH quicker sew.

 

I used satin bias in my version, just to add some luxe.

 

Again, pockets for the win! We just adore those pockets! (Thanks Bernadette!)

 

Just as the name suggests, there are button closures on both sleeves. Take your time putting in your buttonholes......they are no fun to unpick!

 

This pattern includes sizes 3 - 8 (this was the first Duchess & Hare clothing pattern and all patterns since include a larger range of sizes.) I would recommend this sew for intermediate sewers. If opting for snaps instead of buttons at the shoulders and omitting the bias trim, then a confident beginner could certainly achieve a gorgeous dress!

 

To see more on the Who's Got the Button dress, please click HERE.

 

 

And........some other exciting news.....

Results are in for the SewPony sewing competition!

 

 

I was delighted to find out that I WON SECOND PLACE in the Australian category!

My Miss Polly version delivered the goods and I can't be more pleased! I love sewing, but like any artist or parent or person in general, you question yourself constantly. "Am I truly okay at this? Or are my friends just way too nice?!"

 
A small piece of affirmation! Thank you so much SewPony! Thank you to the judges - Maaike, Jenya & Kristine who judged the Australian entries! Thank you to all the sponsors and of course much thanks to Suz - creator of SewPony patterns!

I am honoured to take second place and I loved all the winning entries and those entries that didn't win, but were shared. Everyone was so talented! Such stiff competition! Well done to everyone!

If you would like to see more on the SewPony sewing competition, please visit the SewPony page HERE.  

 

Until next time! Happy sewing!

 

~ Zoe ~